The Peninsula's First Roadway

The Peninsula's First Roadway. Presque Isle Lighthouse. For more than fifty years a narrow pathway served as the keeper’s primary link to civilization. Sand and dirt at first, and then paved in 1925, the current “sidewalk trail” led the keeper to his boathouse on Misery Bay for the second leg of an excursion to the city. This primitive trail, some 1.5 miles long, served as a link for lighthouse children to reach mainland schools. Wooden boards were added to make the walk easier, bridging the wet or muddy portions that were constantly threatened by changes in the water levels of the lake. Walking the trail, boating to the city, and then walking to school were a fact of life for children until the main road opened in 1927. , Today, walkers on the trail can only speculate on the mysteries and history that surround this unique site. , The city of Erie seemed a long distance away as keepers began their routine boat trip across the bay. , A simple boathouse on the shores of Misery Bay housed the small boat that keepers used to row to the mainland for supplies. The Lifesaving Service (later the U.S. Coast Guard) usually transported children to the mainland for school. , Lighthouse Timeline: , 1870 . Commissioned by Lighthouse Service to replace Erie Land Lighthouse , 1872 . Construction begins in September , 1873 . In service on July 12 , 1896 . 17 feet added to tower height , 1921 . Presque Isle established as State Park , 1925 . Sidewalk trail paved , 1927 . Main road opened to lighthouse , 1941 . Coast Guard assumes responsibility from Lighthouse Service , 1957 . Indoor plumbing installed , 1983 . Entered into National Register of Historic Places , 1986 . State signs 25 year occupancy license agreement , 1997 . Lighthouse exhibit construction begins